Central nervous system disorders are disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, and other nerve tissue throughout the body. Different types of central nervous system disorders exist with a wide range of effects on functioning.
Seizure Disorders
Seizures occur due to disruptions in electrical impulses in the brain. Different types of seizures exist, including absence seizures, which result in a brief period of unconsciousness, petit mal, which result in muscle spasms, and grand mal, which result in full-body convulsions. If multiple seizures occur over a lifetime, epilepsy is often diagnosed.
Neuroimmunologic Disorders
Neuroimmunologic disorders are caused by inflammation of part(s) of the nervous system. This inflammation occurs due to the body's immune system attacking tissue. An example of a neuroimmunologic disorder is multiple sclerosis.
Neurodegenerative Disorders
Neurodegenerative disorders result from deterioration of cells within the nervous system. Examples of neurodegenerative disorders include Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's Disease, and Parkinson's Disease.
Causes
The cause(s) of central nervous system disorders vary significantly. Exposure to toxins, genetic abnormalities, and trauma to parts of the central nervous system are some possible causes of central nervous system disorders.
Treatment
Medications are available for treatment of some central nervous system disorders, including anti-seizure medications for seizure disorders and levodopa for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Other treatment options are available for improving management of symptoms and decreasing disability caused by symptoms.
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